Adjustment Overview; Blade Tracking - Shop fox W1878 Owner's Manual

Model W1878 (For Machines Mfd. Since 4/21)
Adjustment.Overview
The bandsaw is one of the most versatile woodworking
machines. However, it has multiple components that must
be properly adjusted for the best cutting results.
For practical and safety reasons, some adjustments and
test operations must be performed before performing
other necessary adjustments. Below is an overview of all
the adjustments and the order in which they should be
performed:

1. Blade Tracking

2. Dust Collection
3. Test Run
4. Tension Blade
5. Adjusting Blade Support Bearings
6. Adjusting Blade Guide Bearings
7. Table Tilt Calibration
8. Aligning Table
9. Aligning Fence
Blade.Tracking
"Tracking" refers to how the blade rides on the bandsaw
wheels. Proper tracking is important for maintaining
bandsaw adjustments, achieving correct blade tension,
and cutting accurately. Improper tracking reduces cutting
accuracy, causes excess vibrations, and places stress on
the blade and other bandsaw components. The shape of
the wheels and the orientation of the wheels in relation
to each other determine how the blade tracks.
Bandsaw wheels are either flat or crowned and both
shapes track differently. The W1878 has crowned wheels.
As the wheels spin, a properly tracking blade naturally
tracks at the center of the wheel (see Figure.19).
Serious personal injury can occur
if the machine starts while your
hand is touching the bandsaw
wheel during tracking adjustments.
Disconnect power from the bandsaw
before performing blade tracking
adjustments.
Blade
Centered
on Wheel
Figure.19. Blade centered on crown of wheel.
-19-
PROPER TRACKING
Blade Centered
on Wheel
Wheel